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The Power of Myth
1988 · TV series · documentary · 1 season
The Power of Myth is a television series originally broadcast on PBS in 1988 as Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth. The documentary comprises six one-hour conversations between mythologist Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers.
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"A promising counterbalance to these trends is to develop alternative ways of being that increase and diversify the “crowd within” - and drive an ongoing inner discourse .... It’s to look more often within, and behind, to develop depth and soul.... And we could do worse than to turn to Jung for a starting point in that journey."
There's so much to Jung's work that finding a way in to the core can be difficult. I once studied several of his collected works. To learn whether his ideas might have value for one's journey, his own journey and motivations are revealed in memoir Memories, Dreams, Reflections. His 'evidence' is the universality of human experiences ... his own and those of his patients.
To get to some of the core ideas (without dilution), try the two books of Vol 9. Archetypes... (which arrives at key idea 'Individuation') and Aion (gets into self, ego, shadow, anima/animus). These aren't easy reads, but many have found the effort rewarding.
Edit: Joseph Campbell's ideas (specially TV series The Power of Myth) might be a more widely accessible way to learn about this path.
I have suffered from chronic depression since I was a teenager. I have been on anti-depressants for the past decade, although I am about ready to start weaning myself off of them (under a doctor's supervision of course).
It sounds like loneliness is one of your core problems. My guess is that you have difficulty forming and maintaining personal relationships. I would give group therapy a try. It can be awkward and unnerving but it teaches to you how to be part of a community and how to interact with others in a meaningful way.
With respect to the symptoms of depression that you are experiencing, your first move should be to see your primary care physician. There are a variety of physical ailments for which depression can be a symptom. For example, hypothyroid, diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, low testosterone, sleep disorders, etc. Get some lab work done.
If you do end up deciding to take anti-depressants, make sure to continue therapy. Medicine alone won't fix your life. The goal of anti-depressants should be to make you feel well enough that you can start to fix your life. Also, if you decide to take anti-depressants quit drinking, smoking pot, or any other recreational drugs you may dabble in. They do not mix well!
Stay active. Sitting around the house is like suicide in slow motion. Go out a do things. Even if it's just running errands or taking a walk in the park you will feel much better than if you are sitting at home wondering if life is pointless. Get in shape, too. Find some activities you enjoy. Ideally, they should involve some form of "play." Whether it's basketball, surfing, snowboarding, or whatever, you need to have a way to experience being in the moment.
I also suggest reading Joseph Campbell. Start with The Power of Myth. The original PBS documentary series of the same name is available on Netflix as well.